Read Online Fox Fate by Robin Roseau - Free Book Online Page B

"They cheat." My passengers didn't respond.
    A few minutes later, Elisabeth said, "I have an easy special for Michaela. Michaela, what is Francesca's middle name?"
    "What?" I asked. "Seriously?"
    "You've known her for six years," Lara said. "She prepares half your meals and manages your house. At your wedding you referred to her as surrogate mother to both brides. And you don't know her name?"
    I made a wild guess. "Marie."
    Several seconds later, Angel said quietly, "Michaela is right."
    I wasn't going to tell anyone I had guessed.
    Other than the special questions, the game was actually pretty fun. But then Lara said, "Okay, we're a half hour from St. Louis. We have time for one more round of questions. Then we need to start our descent and focus on flying."
    Elisabeth's question was for Angel's team. Mine was for Lara's. They both got them right. Then Angel said, "I have a special for Lara." She began laughing. "Lara, you and the fox have had a fight. Whose fault is it?"
    "Mine," Lara said immediately.
    "Damn right it is," I confirmed.
    "That is correct," Angel confirmed. "Ten points to Lara, five to Michaela. Who won, Elisabeth?"
    "In first place, with one hundred and twenty-seven points, team Lara. Michael's team has ninety-one; Angel's has eight-seven. A close fight for second. I can't wait to go shopping!"
     

Bourbon Street
    We arrived safely in New Orleans, landing at a regional airport near the waterfront shortly before four in the afternoon. Deirdre met us at the airport, offering many of us warm hugs and kisses.
    With her were two human women named Anika and Joanna. Anika appeared to be Japanese-American and was my size with straight, black hair and bright eyes. She was stunning. Joanna was tall, with beautiful skin the color of dark molasses and a voice to match. I caught Eric repeatedly sneaking glances at her, and Joanna was returning the looks.
    "If you will have them," Deirdre said, "Anika and Joanna will be your guides while you are here. If you require anything at all, you need only ask them. They have Carissa's utmost confidence, and you can safely trust them."
    I took that to mean they were blood thralls; if so, I knew from personal experience neither of them could betray Carissa's desires. That didn't mean we were safe with them, but I had long decided to take Carissa at her word. I glanced to Lara and nodded once but let her decide.
    "That would be wonderful," Lara said. "We would like a chance to clean up and change clothes, and then dinner would be lovely."
    There were two stretch limousines waiting for us. The wolves handled the luggage, and then we all climbed in. I found myself between Deirdre and Lara. I turned to her and hugged her again. "I'm so happy to see you," I told her. "Did Carissa tell you my question?"
    "She did," Deirdre said. "But she also doesn't want me talking to you about that tonight. She wishes to partake in the discussion."
    I was disappointed by the answer, but I thought that also was a good sign. I tried to tamp down my impatience.
    "Will you be able to spend time with us?" I asked.
    "I'm sorry," she said. "I am to show you to the house, but then I am full of duties until after the party. However, the next day is a rest day for me, and you may have me all day if you wish to stay."
    We'd actually planned on returning immediately. I looked over at Lara, and she nodded once.
    "Excellent," Deirdre said. "I'm so glad you could come!"
    Anika and Joanna were excellent drivers. They offered a verbal tour of the route from the airport, and we soon found ourselves in the French Quarter. There was a pause, then we drove through a gated archway and came to a stop.
    "We're here," Anika told us.
    While the enforcers did their jobs, Deirdre explained. "Carissa owns a quarter block. This was Carissa's home when she first arrived in New Orleans. There's a garage." She gestured towards the right. "There are two large SUVs for your use."
    We were completely surrounded by Carissa's buildings,